Wh-Scope Marking Construction in Dakkhini

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to study wh-scope marking construction/wh-expletive construction in Dakkhini. In these constructions a wh-element typically ‘what’ is in the matrix clause and another wh-element is in the embedded clause. The wh-element in the embedded clause takes its scope in the higher clause that is the matrix clause. The wh-element in the matrix clause which marks the scope of the embedded wh-element is also termed as wh-expletive. The characteristics of wh-scope marking construction are discussed. The direct dependency approach (Riemsdijk, 1983) and indirect dependency approach (Dayal 1994) are used to explain the wh-scope marking construction in Dakkhini.